Brace for Sub-Zero Temps

Wind chills could make it feel like 15-below by Wednesday morning.

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The thermometer dipped below zero in New Milford Wednesday morning in this photo provided by Amanda Kennedy.

Dangerously cold weather is settling in over Connecticut for the next couple of days.

Temperatures on Thursday morning hovered near zero and wind chills are making it feel even colder.

As the temperatures dropped, Gov. Dannel Malloy directed the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Department of Social Services and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to coordinate with shelters throughout the state as well as the 211 helpline.

"The 2-1-1 system provides an incredibly important service to the people of Connecticut and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the help that is available to them," Malloy said. "I am also encouraging local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to help people in need."

The state has activated a web-based system that allows local, regional and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information on the cold weather. The system can also monitor capacity at shelters and enables the 2-1-1 call center to ensure shelter space for people who need it, according to the governor.